Friday, February 20, 2009

Avoiding The Two Extremes

Avoiding The Two Extremes

The lesson says that a correct understanding of the inspiration and authority of the writings of Ellen White will avoid two extremes: 1. regarding these writings as functioning on a canonical level identical with Scripture; or 2. considering them as ordinary Christian literature. This is said to be a conclusion derived from a statement prepared by an ad hoc committee of the General Conference on the relationship between the Bible and Ellen G. White. It is true that it is perhaps to easy to fall on either extreme.

As we read part of this statement - the one quoted below - many of us will think of people that fall partially or in total opposition to the following portion of the statement. (Maybe it is us that fall in this category.)

"(3) We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White function as the foundation and final authority of Christian faith as does Scripture.

(4) We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White may be used as the basis of doctrine.

(5) We do not believe that the study of the writings of Ellen White may be used to replace the study of Scripture.

(6) We do not believe that Scripture can be understood only through the writings of Ellen White.

(7) We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White exhaust the meaning of Scripture.

(8) We do not believe that the writings of Ellen White are essential for the proclamation of the truths of Scripture to society at large."

On the one hand, Sister White said many times that her writings point toward the (Colporteur Ministry, p. 125; Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 663, 664 ). In fact, she says that her ministry would not be needed if people studied the Scriptures*. On the other hand, all her writings have been tested against the standard which is,

Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

We can safely say that we do not have to "… despise [her] prophecies". We have tested them all; and held fast to them because they are good. (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 NKJV).

Since Ellen White was inspired then what she wrote or spoke did not come by her own will, but she spoke or wrote as she was moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). Since her writings are inspired then they are also "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

How can we have a correct understanding of the inspiration and authority of the writings of Ellen White? Is it any different than doing it with the Bible? Can we do this on our own?

Paul says 1 Corinthians 2:14 that "…the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." It is only through the Holy Spirit that we can have a correct understanding of the Bible. This is also true with Sister White's writings (or any other prophet).